Saturday 25 September 2010

Zaturday night

I was quite flattered to be asked if I'd mind sending a copy of my notes, as they would be so useful. I gave the governor who had asked the copy I'd brought. I'd written the whole speech in full, four A4 sheets, although I didn't read them out. I followed the structure though. It seemed to go down well and the LA people beamed, because I (genuinely) gave the positive message about schools working in partnership that they were wanting to promote.

I suppose the time has come when I must finally work out a way of recognising which is David and which is Ed.

The nights are a lot cooler now and I'm sleeping correspondingly better. I thought I would. Still reading through the early hours, but less. 'Diary of a Nobody' at present - one can download out-of-copyright books free so, since I don't want to be too excited at that time in the morning (not by a book, at any rate) I choose books I've already read.

8 comments:

Gledwood said...

I've been searching for various academic tomes that are most certainly out of copyright, and yet Google books will only give a couple of (longish) chapters, and no download to PDF function, which I find really annoying.

I HAVE downloaded a couple of long books free, which I read on my laptop.

Do you read this stuff on the computer, or load it on to a Kindle?

If they released a Kindle that opened up like a proper book ~ so you got a double page spread ~ then I might go for it. But meanwhile I can't see the point in them, if they don't do anything a laptop won't do. Also they want to add a function for students to write notes in the margin. I would imagine a Kindle would be a lifesaver for students of English literature, etc. No more bags weighted down with library books... the younger generation don't know they're born!

I tried reading Diary of a Nobody years ago. I got the £1 Wordsworth classics edition. It looks really good and it's supposed to be really witty... but I was quite depressed at the time and just not in the mood for it (story of my life!)

Sorry I've not been by in ages. A goblin stole my broadband SIMcard and now I've got it back... hurrah!!

Dave said...

One of the reasons I write my sermons and lectures out in full is that it's not unknown for people to ask for a copy (last week's lecture is being replunlished in an historical journal.

I am toying with buying a Kindle.

Z said...

I download it on to my iPhone, Gledwood, which I then read in bed, under the covers like a child, not to disturb my husband. I haven't been sleeping much for the past weeks.

Good to see you back, by the way, wonder what happened to your SIM card.

I'm deeply impressed, Dave - I trust you remind them that they're still your copyright, though.

I understand that the Kindle is pleasant to read, and certainly more booklike than a laptop (or a phone). I'm slightly surprised to find that I don't mind reading a book onscreen at all - the only nuisance is when I want to flip back and check something, which is much easier with a proper book. But so portable - when I go on holiday, the irresistable urge to take at least a book for each day, plus several for travelling, does add to the luggage.

Rog said...

I've completely lost the concentration to read a whole book - I read one last year. I blame the internet, with its constant distr......

Z said...

Not to mention the iPhone, with its iAssociate, Angry Birds, iPint, WSOP... - no wonder I can't even keep up with blogs any more.

If it weren't for insomnia, I wouldn't read half as many books as I do.

Roses said...

I'm so chuffed your presentation went well. Well done you.

I still like books. Heavy, burdensome, have-to-wait-for-Amazon-to-deliver-the-damn-things books.

Books for my shelves.

I love the smell of the ink and paper. The texture of the covers. Mmmmm....

Z said...

I agree, Roses, nothing will ever be as good as a real book. I couldn't live without books in every room. They furnish a room. Well, a comfy sofa too.

luckyzmom said...

Sleep is elusive for me as well. My new bedtime read is "The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future", by Mark Bauerlein, from the library.